Shane (American TV series)
A former gunfighter finds work and unspoken love on a ranch.
Shane is an American Western television series that aired on ABC in 1966, based on Jack Schaefer's 1949 book and the 1953 film. David Carradine played the title role, a former gunfighter who works as a hired hand on a widow's ranch.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Western
- Writer
- William Blinn
- Ernest Kinoy
- Denne Bart Petitclerc
- David Shaw
- Director
- Alex March
- David Greene
- Gerd Oswald
- Gerald Mayer
- Starring
- David Carradine
- Jill Ireland
- Tom Tully
- Chris Shea
- Theme music
- Victor Young
- Composer
- Jerry Fielding
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Premise
The series follows the general premise of the 1953 film, including the lead character's buckskin shirt and concho gun belt, but departs in several ways. Shane, Marian, and Joey are younger; Marian is a widow living with her father-in-law Tom, and Shane has already lived with them when the story begins. A romance subplot runs through the series: nearly everyone assumes Shane and Marian are a couple, Tom approves, and Joey idolizes Shane, but neither expresses their feelings—Marian hesitates and Shane considers himself an unsuitable suitor.
Despite wanting to leave his past behind, Shane often uses his gun, leading Tom to compare his addiction to it with Tom's own addiction to alcohol. Homesteaders view him as both defender and danger. The action centers on Crossroads, a settlement with no law officer, judge, or physician; Sam Grafton serves as counselor and emergency surgeon, aided by Ben. Rufe Ryker, the open-range cattleman, begins as an enemy of the homesteaders but later becomes an occasional ally and even a law enforcer, evolving into a possible suitor for Marian. Bert Freed, as Ryker, started the season clean-shaven and let his beard grow week by week throughout the series.
Production
The series was shot at Paramount Studios and Paramount Ranch in California, unlike the 1953 film's Wyoming exteriors; characters are seen carrying slickers on their saddles in a dry landscape. After Paramount sold the rights to ABC in 1966, Herbert Brodkin and Titus Productions, Inc. became involved. Brodkin hired Denne Bart Petitclerc as producer, David Shaw as executive producer, and William Blinn as story consultant. Blinn noted that Brodkin, coming from interior-shot shows like The Defenders, rarely sent Shane on location, creating a minimalist western because the Brodkin organization would not permit deficit spending.
The series faced comparison to the 1953 film, but Blinn felt David Carradine's portrayal—his own rhythms, stance, and attitude—was a key asset. Quality relied on team effort, including cast involvement in story conferences and hiring directors like Robert Butler and David Greene and writers like Ernest Kinoy. Toward cancellation, the Brodkin organization cut the budget drastically; Blinn said ABC wanted more action, Brodkin refused due to budget constraints, and low ratings opposite The Jackie Gleason Show on Saturday nights were decisive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Shane (American TV series)?
Shane stars David Carradine, Jill Ireland, Tom Tully and Chris Shea.
How many episodes of Shane (American TV series) are there?
Shane has 17 episodes across 1 season.
When did Shane (American TV series) first air?
Shane first aired on 10 September 1966.
When did Shane (American TV series) end?
Shane last aired on 31 December 1966.
More in American Broadcasting Company Western Dramas
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